NUFFIELD Australia’s agricultural research scholarships are once again open to the next generation of farmers looking to unearth innovative practices and cultivate the global networks they need to drive change in their businesses.

Applications opened today for the 2020 Nuffield Scholarship program, and Nuffield Australia is urging young farmers with a desire to drive their knowledge and businesses forward to apply.

This year, there are more than 25 Nuffield Scholarships on offer, each valued at $30,000.

The application period will run from 1 April to 14 June and focus on the 2019 theme of Collaborate, Innovate and Cultivate.

Interim Nuffield Australia chief executive officer and 2013 scholar Jodie Redcliffe said that the program sowed the seeds of change for farmers, and acts as a springboard for growth that sees individuals, businesses and agricultural industries flourish.

Jodie Redcliffe

“Over an 18-month period, Nuffield Scholars embark on a global study program undertaking a total of 16 weeks of individual and group travel to delve into their chosen study topic,” Ms Redcliffe said.

“The program launches scholars into an innovative learning environment where they can cultivate new ideas, drive practice change, and forge lifelong associations with like-minded agribusiness leaders around the world.

“It provides an unrivalled opportunity for current, emerging and future agricultural leaders to collaborate with a global network of trailblazing farmers, agribusiness and institutions.”

In Australia alone, Nuffield has an Alumni of over 400 scholars who have gone on to produce industry and community change, unlock new farming techniques and drive economic development across the country.

One such Nuffield scholar is Adam McVeigh, who runs a diversified grain and cotton enterprise on the Darling Downs and the South Burnett of Queensland.

After experiencing extreme floods in 2010 and 2013, Mr McVeigh received a 2015 Nuffield Scholarship to study minimising the devastating impact of crop loss and farm damage from natural disasters.

“My Nuffield Scholarship helped me to find real solutions to ongoing issues around farm viability in an increasingly volatile local climate. It led me to implement a resilient double cropping program, which was not only financially safe but also profitable,” Mr McVeigh said.

“No matter the sector or scale of your farm business, if you’re passionate about a career in agriculture or want to take your farming knowledge to the next level, then I’d strongly encourage you to apply – the Nuffield experience is unmatched.”

Successful recipients of the 2020 Nuffield Scholarships will be announced during the Nuffield Australia National Conference at the EKKA precinct in Brisbane, from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 September 2019.